Flamengo Maricá edge Real Heips 2-1 in Rio de Janeiro women's state championship

Flamengo Maricá made a winning start to their first official fixture in the Rio de Janeiro women's state championship on Saturday, taking all three points with a 2-1 victory over Real Heips at the João Saldanha stadium.

Match report

The Rubro-Negro side took the lead just two minutes in. Emilly's perfectly weighted pass found Sandoval, whose cross was met by Nina Garrit, who rose above the opposition centre-back to open the scoring: 1-0. In intense heat, head coach Celso Silva's team pressed for further chances but found Real Heips resolute in defence.

Before the interval, Ana Laura sent a delivery into the box and Nina Garrit came close to doubling the lead. Moments later, Sandoval struck the woodwork. The scoreline remained unchanged heading into the second period.

Silva introduced changes after the break, and Flamengo grew in attacking fluency. Campos had a headed opportunity. The team's pressure paid dividends with a well-worked second goal. Lorranny launched a defence-splitting pass, Campos burst forward and simply had to round the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute.

Emilly tested the keeper from distance on 25 minutes but the save was routine. Following a technical break, Flamengo maintained their rhythm and their younger players caught the eye. Sporting the number 52, Dudinha controlled proceedings in midfield. Elsewhere, left-back Isabela Nunes – as she has in the U-20 side – added a fresh dimension to set-piece delivery. Nina Garrit nearly added a third on 29 minutes with a superb volley. Real Heips pulled one back through Jade late on, but time had run out. A commanding performance from the Rubro-Negro.

What's next

Flamengo Maricá return to action on Tuesday (November 3) with a Copa do Brasil semi-final first leg away to Bahia at the Arena Fonte Nova.

Flamengo squad

Bibi; Ana Laura, Sofia (Leane), Lorranny and Bruna (Isabela Nunes); Cerqueira (Nicoli), Ana Donato (Dudinha), Emilly (Ana Papel) and Kaylane; Sandoval (Campos) and Nina Garrit.

Head coach: Celso Silva.

Match statistics

Flamengo Maricá 2-1 Real Heips – Matchday 2, Carioca Feminino

Venue: João Saldanha Stadium

Date and kick-off: Saturday 31 October, 3.00pm BRT

Goalscorers: Nina Garrit (2', 1st half), Campos (23', 2nd half) and Jade (40', 2nd half).